Danny Hall

Sheffield United have agreed a partnership with sportswear giants Adidas for next season, The Star can reveal today.

The German company, who already supply teams including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, will replace Macron as United’s kit supplier in the summer.

The partnership, which will cover all playing, training and leisurewear, was brokered with the help of Jim Phipps, principal adviser to United co-owner Prince Abdullah and a director of the Bramall Lane club.

The arrangement ends United’s association with Macron.

“The change was inspired with a view to promoting Sheffield United as a global brand,” a United source revealed.

“Adidas is a name and a brand which is instantly recognisable all over the world, and we are confident that the supporters will be happy with the news.”

Meanwhile, reports in Scotland have suggested that Nigel Clough, the United manager, is interested in offering former Manchester City midfielder Lee Croft a route back into English football.

The 28-year-old, who starred alongside current Blade Jose Baxter while at Oldham, is in talks with Scottish Cup finalists St Johnstone over a new contract.

But a host of clubs, including Rotherham United, are also thought to be keen.

United’s U18s, meanwhile, completed their league season with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at the Redtooth Academy yesterday.